Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1887-02-16
= Serial Storg.
SNOW BOUND At EAGLES
By BRET HARTE.
Copyrighted by Houghton, Mifflin Co., and
published by arrangement with them]
CHAPTER IV-CoNTINUED.

CHAPTER IV-CoNTINUED.
"I'm no: going to shoot you now, said Lee,
smiling, $50 you will have chance to die
with your boots on, if you are superstitious.
I only want you to exchange them for that
pair of Hale's in the corner. The fact IS
have taken fancy to yours. That fashion
Of wearing the stockings outside strikes me as
one of the neatest things out"
Manuel sulenly drew of his boots with
their muffled covering, and put on the. ones
designated. ...-..-
,.GNow open the door,"
He did So Falkner was already waiting
at the threshold. aTuln Manuel loose with
the other, Ned, but disarm him first. They
might quarrel The habit Of carrying arms,
Manuel" added Lee, as Falkner took pistol
and bowie knife from the halfbreed, lis Of
itself provocative Of violence and inconsistent
with bucolic and pastoral life."
When Falkner returned he said hurriedlJ
to his companion: @Do you think it wise,
George, to let those hellhounds looses Good
God! I could scarcely let my grip Of his
throat 20 when thought of what they were
hunting"
GMy dear Ned" said Lee, luxuriously en-
sconcing himself under the bedclothes again
with slight shiver Of delicious warmth. II
must warn you against allowing the natural
pride of higher walk to prejudice you
against the general level Of our profession.
Indeed, was quite struck with the justice Of
Manuel's protest that was interfering with
certain rude processes of his own toward re-
suits Armed at by others"
aGeorge!" interrupted Falkner almost
savagely.
aWell admit it's getting rather late in
the evening for pure philosophical inquiry,
and you are tired. Practically, then, it scas
wise to let them get away before they discov-
cred two things One, our exact relations
here with these women; and the other, ho,o
many of us were here. Atpresent they think
we are three or four in possession and with
the consent of the women"
1.-THE dogs"
@They are paying US the highest compli.
ment they can conceive of by supposing US
cleverer scoundrels than themselves. You
are very unjust, Ned"
"If they escape and tell their story"
ave shall have the rare pleasure of know.
ing we are better than people believe us.
And now put those boots away somewhere
where we can produce them if necessary, as
evidence of Manuels evening call At pres
ent Well keep the thing quiet, and in the
early morning you can find out where they
got in and remove any traces they have left.
1t is no use to frighten the women. There's
no fear Of their returning"
aAnd if they get awayl"
ave can follow in their tracks"
@If Manuel gives the alarm?"
"With his burglarious boots left behind in
the housea Not muchl Good night, Ned
Go to bed
With these words Lee turned on his side
and quietly resumed his interrupted slumber.
Falkner did not, however, follow this sensible
advice When he was satisfied that his friend
was sleeping he opened the door softly and
looked out He did not appear to be listen
ing, for his eyes were fixed upon small pen
Gil of light that stole across the passage from
the foot of Kate's door. He watched it until
it suddenly disappeared, when, leaving the
door partly open, he threw himself on his
couch without removing his clothes The
slight movement awakened the sleeper, who
was beginning to feel tho accession of fever.
He moved restlessly.
"George," said Falkner, softly.
"Yes."
"Where was it we passed that old Mission
church on the road one dark night, and saw
the light burning before the figure of the
Virgin through the windows"
There was a moment Of crushing silence.
"Does that mean you're wanting to light the
candle again:"
mo"
"Then don't lie there inventing sacrilegious
conundrunls, but 60 to sleep"
Nevertheless, in the morning his fever was
slightly worse Mrs. Hale, offering her con-
dolence, said, II know that you have not
been resting well, for even after your friend
met with that mishap in the hall, heard
your voices and Kate says your door was
open all night. You have little fever, too,
Mr.. Falkner"
George looked curiously at Falkner's pale
FACET was burning.